Karnataka Legislative Tensions: BJP's Stand-Off with Congress

The BJP in Karnataka has issued a warning to the ruling Congress, threatening to halt legislative proceedings if the suspension of its 18 MLAs is not lifted. The suspended BJP members had protested against a reservation policy by disrupting the assembly, leading to their suspension for six months.

The BJP in Karnataka has delivered a stark warning to the ruling Congress, vowing to disrupt legislative sessions unless the suspension of its 18 MLAs is withdrawn. The controversy stems from a previous session where BJP legislators opposed a reservation policy, leading to their six-month suspension for unruly behavior.

The suspended MLAs were protesting against a four percent reservation for Muslims in government contracts under the Other Backward Castes category. Their actions included storming the podium of Speaker U T Khader and tearing a bill in protest. In response, State Law Minister H K Patil moved a resolution that was passed to suspend them.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka has condemned the suspensions, accusing Congress of manipulating legislative processes and violating constitutional principles. Ashoka asserts that the BJP's actions were aimed at upholding constitutional values, and warns that their struggle will persist if the suspensions remain in place.

(With inputs from agencies.)